I did visit a Montessori school that goes up to 8th grade last week. It would be a 30 minute drive for us and VERY expensive, but I'm wondering about it now. He would be allowed to progress at his own rate BUT not "pushed" (as the director put it). So, that has me concerned since most of the time I've found when people use the term "pushed" they have a bias against helping children progress quickly if they are capable.

So, now the questions I'm asking, if we go the private route...

1) Would the Montessori hands-on-style be too difficult for a child whose hands are unreliable?

2) Would all the motor planning be too difficult for him?

3) Would the distractions and child directed work be too distracting for real progress?

4) Is it really too "young" an education style? My impression has always been that Montessori is best for early childhood. Since Mite is so high ability, would it be to "young" for him?


so many questions........

Will they let you spend a day observing the current students and on another day allow Mite a trial to determine if it�s a good fit?

WG - good for you for thinking outside the box. So much depends on the teacher. With the right guidance, all that motor may be like therapy for Mite. In the wrong hands, he'll feel worse about himself than ever.

I would certianly go visit and get Mite to have a visit. See if the kids are learning baby things. I also didn't explore the Montessori route for two reasons - 1) people who have "a philosophy" about child development are likely to view my child through their filters, and miss him entirely. 2) all that work with manipulatives would have driven him to deep frustration, I think.

Guess what? I think that I was wrong. Each school is unique, and each teacher is unique also. There are some people who follow this philosophy and are well aware of our asynchronous kids and do well with them. Some teachers don't insist on use of the manipulatives with kids who "get it" conceptually, it was only ever meant as a tool. And the multiage classroom, with an enphasis on responsibility for one's work has some advantages for kids who want to go at their own speed.

I think that Programs that go up to 8th grade might in general be less "babyish" than progams that focus only on preschool.

Basically look to see how they feel about kids with special needs, about keyboarding in the classroom, etc. See if the teacher's face sprivels up when you mention his situation. Show her some samples of his handwritten work v. typed work. Watch her face and body language. There should also be a special ed person for you to talk to. Mite has some "on paper" diagnosises - it would be good if they could demonstrate that they know what the implications of this lables are.

I hope this, or something, works out for you...
Trin

SIGH!!! I just heard the Montessori school is losing their building to foreclosure!!!!!!!!!!!!

just when I think there might be an option!!!

Argghhh! NO!

This is not a good news day for boardies, apparently.

Oh no Fite!
Are they planning to re-organize? Will their best teacher take on Mite and a few others? ((nail biting))
Trin

OOPS...

Ania

I have mail a letter asking them what their plans are. I'll let you know what I hear.

I have mailed a letter asking them what their plans are. I'll let you know what I hear.

Oh WG,
I'm still sad for you.
Trin

Sorry to hear that!
We visited a Montessori that goes up through 8th grade and the higher levels didn't seem to be doing "baby" things at all. It really was more like a college atmosphere in the upper elementary. Kids could decide to work in the library if they chose. Each child met with the teacher at the beginning of the week and negotiated a "plan of action" or things they would accomplish academically for the week. Students were then allowed to accomplish those things at their own rate, but they did have to follow-up at the end of the week to ensure they did accomplish what they set out to do. The freedom was very nice to see and the kids we saw working in class were doing what seemed to be pretty advanced math.
Hopefully you will find another school to at least observe. I would love for Mite to find an atmosphere that allowed him to be his wonderful self!!!

We're working on it. I just hope he doesn't burn out before we get there. We just live so far from all the excellent options. We are contemplating moving, but until the tornado homes are rebuilt we've been advised to sit tight. Property values have dropped tremendously.

soooooooooooo....on we trek!!!